Just picked up a new Camaro (1989, 305, auto).

My power steering does not work (really heavy) when the engine is just idling. A little revs and it works fine and is nice and light.

Any ideas where to start?

Cheers

Adam

 

Hello adam858!!



Is the fluid at the correct level??

Is the fluid foamy??

Is the idle speed set correctly??

Is the pump leaking??

Is the belt slipping??

Has the pump been changed??

Is it the correct pump??



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To add to Dan61's list, if the belt is not slipping and the idle seems OK, even if you don't see foam in the Reservoir....
With the car idling, check the PS Res and ensure it's reading at least cold on the dip
Turn it off, jack the front end up to free the wheels, restart it and Leave It In Park
Turn the wheel all the way to, say, the left stop, and hold it..the belt should not make noise
Turn the wheel all the way to the other stop and again, no belt noise...but you'll probably hear a small bit of hydraulic noise...just not belt squeal
Turn it to Center and check your fluid
It should read at least cold and not be foamy
If it's foamy, shut it off and let it un-foam. Add enough for it to read cold At An Idle and repeat the turn to stops procedure
If it was low, you need to find a leak
It's hard to say the minimum driving for when it should be hot, but a long city trip will do it, as long as you work the steering wheel

 

Next time you take it out, before you drive it away, check that it's reading cold level and between cold and hot when you get somewhere ( idling both times )

 

Hello adam858!!

After you do all the above, and you still have the same problem, buy a new pump!!

 

excellent guys thanks for your help, I will give it all a try at the weekend!